The Aboriginal Friendship Centres is bringing a new national youth program to Saskatchewan.

The new program is called Navigating Horizons.

The program is open to people in Yorkton, Meadow Lake, La Ronge, Buffalo Narrows, Île-à-la-Crosse, and Fort Qu’Appelle. It is half online and half in person in the local communities. The six communities were selected out of the 12 friendship centres across the AFCS network in Saskatchewan.

The program is designed to be similar to a mentor program and has rewards for people who stick to the program. The rewards include two trips, one to Regina to see a Roughrider game, and the other to Victoria, BC to attend a national youth conference.

Curtis Sanderson, AFCS Youth Program Manager, says anybody can apply for the program.

“You don’t have to be Indigenous to apply, as long as you kind of fit into the age range, 12 to 25, and you want to apply, anyone is welcome and is encouraged to apply and take part.”

Sanderson added that the hope is for the program to expand to other communities in Saskatchewan, such as Regina and Prince Albert. Sanderson also mentioned a finance program in the works for those who are over 18 and complete the first six months.

An orientation has been tentatively set up for early August. The program will run for about six months. The deadline to apply is flexible but is generally set for the end of July.